[18F-Fluorocholine PET-CT for localization of parathyroid adenomas]

18F-fluorocholine PET-CT is a new imaging modality for the localization of pathological parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The PET-CT is a combination scan that uses both the physiological information from the PET and the anatomical information from the CT. Uptake of the radio-isotope 18F-fluorocholine is increased in pathological parathyroid glands. 18F-fluorocholine PET-CT helps clinicians to localize the pathological parathyroid glands where conventional modalities fail to do so. This enables surgeons to carry out targeted minimal invasive surgery. It may also prevent the patient having to undergo a more extensive exploration, with its associated risks, and alleviate the necessity of taking medications with side effects. Although the literature on this subject is still scarce, preliminary results are promising. As any hospital with a PET-CT can perform the scan, we expect that its use in patients with hyperparathyroidism will increase over the next few years.